Let’s get this out there right at the start: I like Wildstar. A lot. Developed by Carbine Entertainment and published by NCSoft, Wildstar is an MMO that has a mix of the familiar along with some fun twists on the old standard gameplay. I have been playing the game for a few months now (a little over a month since launch and multiple during Beta) and while it is not perfect, it’s a whole lot of fun. Each day I can’t wait to fire up the client, log into my server and continue my story on the world of Nexus. MMO’s have been around long enough now that when a new one launches, there’s an expected list of features the game must have implemented (and implemented well) or else its days are numbered. A good MMO needs quests, dungeons, raids, PvP, public events, housing, third party mod support, crafting, character customization, engaging gameplay and enough content post level max to keep you logging in, day after day. Wildstar delivers on all of the above and more.

My God, that's just, wow... That's some sword.

The owl obviously does something, but I have no idea what.

In the game, players chose from two warring factions, the Dominion or Exiles, create a character from the four races per side, and then choose from six available classes. As for the backstory, Wildstar is set on, around and in planet Nexus, home to a hyper advanced alien race that disappeared millennia ago leaving behind technology ripe for the picking. Both sides happen upon the fabled planet at the same time and so begins the struggle for control. Players take control of their character after they awaken from cryosleep on their faction’s ark ship. High above Nexus, you proceed through the ship as you get introduced to basics of the game play. Anyone who has played previous MMO’s should be able to breeze through this section as most mechanics should be familiar.

Wildstar is an action MMO which helps keep you engaged as you maneuver and dodge oncoming attacks. All attacks (yours and the enemy) use a telegraphing system that shows you where the attack is going to land and how to avoid it if you are paying attention. It’s fun, easy to understand and makes for some interesting encounters in dungeons and raids. This is one of the largest improvements to the genre that Wildstar brings to the party. After getting acquainted combat, inventory management and quest acquisition and fulfillment, you’ll find yourself with several levels under your belt, and soon will be on your way to the planet surface looking for adventure.

Players won’t have to look too far as NPCs with yellow exclamation point halos denote available quests. A mini map in the corner of your screen provides details on the surrounding area and has indicator arrows for your quest locations. Clicking on the quests listed on your screen provides location and distance prompts to help guide you to the right spot. The quests themselves are usually of the sort where go to some spot and kill or collect X number of things, then collect your rewards upon completion. Sound familiar? Well sure, many of the features listed above can be found in various combinations in other games. Even though players cry for something new, MMO’s can’t deviate too far from the established norms or they risk alienating those same gamers who claim they want something different.